Quick 4x4 Question

[uberninja]

I've been researching the 4x4 system in my Ex because the last time I took it into the dealer for service, they informed me that the front hubs were bad. I had a specific question on the diagnosing process because I'm either not understanding it, or I haven't seen an answer.

If I push the 4x4high button, the lights on the dash and button come on. Does that mean that the system is good up to where its trying to engage the hubs? If the shift motor is bad it wouldn't cause the relay to click right?

I had my suspicions the hubs were bad the last time it snowed because the back slid around too much with the 4x4 light on. Oh and it does come in and out of 4x4 low, or at least the lights change accordingly. I was hoping to save some time in the cold, underneath the truck, but will do the appropriate tests when it warms up because I know its more work with the LSD. I'm definitely going to manual hubs if that solves my problem.

Thanks in advance!

 

[RangerX]

OMG that you're taking a 94 to the dealer for service!! You must be doing alright financially!
Check this thread to help diagnose: http://www.explorerforum.com/forums/index.php?threads/4x4-troubleshooting-guide.202166/
Check here for hub info: http://www.explorerforum.com/forums...k-auto-manual-hub-info-ranger-91-94-x.232754/
I think all shift motors go bad eventually, at least bad enough to not engage 4lo. Some won't even engage 4hi. There's a step by step with pics thread here somewher on how to fix those, it's fairly easy, AND cheap!
All auto hubs die. Most died a decade ago. If and when you convert to manual hubs, there's at least one step by step guide here somewhere on how to do it. You would sabe hundreds if you did it yourself.

 

[Gadget X]

You can also take off the auto hubs and soak them with brake parts cleaner to remove the "gunk", then soak them in atf to lube them up real good, then drain and reinstall. As long as nothing's broken internally, than should do you for a while. Manual hub conversion is a good option, as they are much stronger and more reliable than the auto hubs.

 

[uberninja]

OMG that you're taking a 94 to the dealer for service!! You must be doing alright financially!
Check this thread to help diagnose: http://www.explorerforum.com/forums/index.php?threads/4x4-troubleshooting-guide.202166/
Check here for hub info: http://www.explorerforum.com/forums...k-auto-manual-hub-info-ranger-91-94-x.232754/
I think all shift motors go bad eventually, at least bad enough to not engage 4lo. Some won't even engage 4hi. There's a step by step with pics thread here somewher on how to fix those, it's fairly easy, AND cheap!
All auto hubs die. Most died a decade ago. If and when you convert to manual hubs, there's at least one step by step guide here somewhere on how to do it. You would sabe hundreds if you did it yourself.

It was in for a radiator that cracked at -10 on a Friday morning. Every shop in town was booked solid through Tuesday except for the dealer who could get me fixed up on Saturday. I was leaving for Xmas vacation and had a two hour drive to the airport on Monday morning. Gotta love small town USA!

Believe me if it were above freezing, I'd be doing the work myself. No garage makes it hard to get winter work done. Plus I love saving that money. it's why I'm doing the water pump and timing belt on my GTI next month.

 

[uberninja]

OMG that you're taking a 94 to the dealer for service!! You must be doing alright financially!
Check this thread to help diagnose: http://www.explorerforum.com/forums/index.php?threads/4x4-troubleshooting-guide.202166/
Check here for hub info: http://www.explorerforum.com/forums...k-auto-manual-hub-info-ranger-91-94-x.232754/
I think all shift motors go bad eventually, at least bad enough to not engage 4lo. Some won't even engage 4hi. There's a step by step with pics thread here somewher on how to fix those, it's fairly easy, AND cheap!
All auto hubs die. Most died a decade ago. If and when you convert to manual hubs, there's at least one step by step guide here somewhere on how to do it. You would sabe hundreds if you did it yourself.

RangerX, I went through all of the testing in the threads you listed and determined that it is infact, just bad hubs. I tried to clean them with degreaser but it didnt change the end result. The front driveshaft definitely spins and the lights come on correctly so it must be time for WARN manual hubs! Gonna get front bearings and just do it all together. I appreciate the help. I stumbled across many a-threads that you had replied to someone's 4x4 issues. Big thank you for all the advice.

Kyle

 

[RangerX]

You're so welcome. I learned by going through everything you and everyone else has! Had the manual hubs now for about 18 years, and no problems.